Gambling Regulations: The Differences Between the United States and Europe

Gambling has now become one of the most beloved and popular recreational activities in the world. However, even though gambling is such a widespread practice, the specifics of laws and regulations surrounding gambling can differ from region to region. This is especially true for North American and European gambling authorities that have different sets of regulations, requirements, and standards that gambling practitioners need to abide by. It’s no secret that gambling is very popular in the United States, especially with places like Atlantic City, Reno, and Las Vegas bringing in tourists for their gambling attractions. Although, Europe is not to be outdone. Places like Malta and the United Kingdom also have very rich gambling cultures. Nordic nations are also known to have a thriving gambling industry. Norway, Sweden, Finland are very well known as great fans of gambling. For example, according to the data of the Global Games Market Report, just in the previous year Finland’s games market brought revenues of $435 million, as there were 2.8 million gamers registered at the end of the last year in Finland and this is more than a half of a total population of the country. And this is not surprising as the history of Finland’s gaming culture and the roots of today’s success of Finnish casino or suomikasino in Finnish language lead back to the early 80s.

As one might expect, the gambling regulations in Europe are more complex than those of the United States. This is because while many nations do fall under the European Union, they are still mainly independent states that are capable of establishing their own laws and regulations surrounding gambling. For the most part, in Europe, gambling activity is typically controlled by specific units within the local governments. These units are in charge of setting up certain standards and practices while also enforcing them onto operators within their jurisdiction. Many countries in Europe have already adopted more liberal approaches to gambling regulation in an effort to attract global investors to establish operations within their regions. However, again, laws across the entire European Union can differ from one member state to another. There are some states that are very strict and have restricted online gamblign licensing entirely. Although, most offshore gambling websites are still accessible to locals within these regions. There are only a few places in Europe wherein citizens are completely banned from entering offshore platforms to prevent them from gambling entirely.

In France, gambling is operating in full force in the form of lotteries, horse race bets, and casino games. As of the moment, there are around 200 casinos that are scattered throughout the French nation. Also, a legislative bill was passed within the French congress that legalized online gambling activities in the country. In particular, the games of poker, horse racing, and sports betting are now legitimate forms of online gambling under the eyes of French law. In Germany, gambling regulations are more volatile, especially when it comes to online gambling. Online slot games are considered illegal, but online lotteries and sports bets are permissible under the law. However, it should be noted that Germany’s laws around online gambling are constantly changing. Also, there are over 9000 physical gambling establishments all over the country.

When it comes to the gambling laws in the United States, the Supreme Court granted higher mandates on state governments to enact and enforce their own particular gambling regulations. In the past, sports betting was illegal under federal law. However, the Supreme Court rendered a ruling that allowed state governments to decide for themselves on this matter. Recently, online betting was also deemed legal in the state of New Jersey. In particular, Atlantic City is now allowed to operate online gamblign services for patrons. Strictly speaking, online gambling and betting is not legal under federal law. Rather, the Supreme Court ruling placed more power on state legislatures to legalize and regulate online betting activities within their jurisdictions. That’s why even though the United States is just one country, the gambling laws can really differ from state to state.

In a state like Nevada, the gambling culture is very much rampant and that’s what makes the gambling industry such a lucrative one within that region. However, more conservative states like Idaho, Texas, and Utah are likely to never adopt such lenient gambling policies or legislations. However, in the age of the internet, it has become much easier for citizens to find workarounds in accessing online gambling portals, whether local or offshore. At the end of the day, the global gambling industry is growing rapidly and it’s going to continue to make waves in many different parts of the world, especially in Western regions and developed nations. 

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes